Beirut Southern Suburbs & Hezbollah: History & Truth | Mona Harb
In this special episode of This Is Not a Watermelon podcast, we speak to Professor Mona Harb, co-founder of the Beirut Urban Lab at the American University of Beirut, to help us delve into the intricate socio-political dynamics and historical narratives of Beirut's southern suburbs, known as "Dahiyeh" that's been under severe Israeli bombardment since September. Professor Harb offers an in-depth exploration of Dahiyeh, a part of the Lebanese capital often associated with Shi'ism, poverty, and Hezbollah, highlighting the socio-economic diversity in the area and the effects of Lebanon's civil war and subsequent urban planning policies on this large geography which encompasses several municipalities.
The episode further explores the interconnected economy and population movements, and the impact of media misrepresentation on Lebanon. Stressing on just how large and diverse of an area "Dahiyeh" is, Harb explores the impacts of Israeli attacks on urban heritage, the media's false portrayal of Hezbollah, and the strength of Beirut's communities amidst the ongoing challenges. With personal insights and professional expertise, she sheds light on the multifaceted narrative of this urban space in Beirut, bringing attention to the fact that the attack on Dahiyeh (and the south of Lebanon) is an attack on the entire Lebanese population and infrastructure. Harb highlights the resilience and solidarity among Beirut's communities and the significance of knowledge production in fostering inclusive urban environments.
This Is Not a Watermelon
This podcast series is a celebration and documentation of Palestinian history and culture. We interview experts from various disciplines to help us better understand the facts about Palestine – the land and the people.
